The Best Kosher Restaurants in Buenos Aires

Argentina has one of the biggest Jewish communities outside Israel, so it’s perhaps unsurprising to find a wealth of kosher eateries in the capital. We check out the best kosher restaurants in Buenos Aires.

This delicious cafe located in the heart of Villa Crespo, a traditionally Jewish neighborhood, serves up the best pastrami sandwiches in the city. Full of melt-in-the-mouth slices of pastron, La Crespo also has smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, as well as a wide range of hummus and knishes.

Located in Once, Buenos Aires’ main Jewish neighborhood, Tov Lev is the go-to joint for anyone looking for kosher shawarma. Under the supervision of Rabbi Daniel Oppenheimer, this low-key barrio joint also serves kosher chicken, pastrami and beef. Check their Facebook for daily specials and offers.

A revolutionary force in the traditional Argentine parilla scene, Asian Fusion Grill Steak House combines Asian-style cooking with traditional Argentine flavors and produce, mainly meat, as the name implies. This restaurant prepares its dishes according to Sephardic custom, and serves salmon, lamb and chicken, among other dishes, all certified kosher by Rabbi Daniel Oppenheimer.

This typical Argentine parilla is also located in the Jewish neighborhood of Once. Everyone visiting Argentina is sure to want to sample some of its world famous meat, so its good to know that there is a legitimate kosher steakhouse that won’t break the bank like the Asian Fusion Grill. This traditional barrio parilla is very much no-frills, but expect excellent food despite the often sub-par service.

Freddo

Argentina may be just as famous for its ice cream as it is for its meat. Taking its cues from the Italian motherland, Argentine ice cream is rich and thick, and will satisfy anyone with a serious sweet tooth. Argentina’s premier ice cream shop Freddo has many kosher varieties on offer, and each flavor is annotated with an AK next to it.

Argentines love sushi, and this popular chain of sushi restaurants has one kosher branch in Palermo. An AK symbol is positioned in the window to remind patrons that kosher food is available. Don’t forget they also deliver if you’re feeling a little lazy and want your kosher sushi fix delivered right to your door.

No roundup of Buenos Aires’ best kosher restaurants would be complete without the inclusion of South America’s only kosher McDonald’s, located in the Abasto shopping center near Once. It may seem like an odd choice, but McDonald’s in Argentina is actually a step up from standard McDonald’s, mainly owing to the fantastic meat the country has to offer. It’s practically the same as a regular McDonald’s, except that all the hamburgers and other offerings you would expect from the golden arches are certified kosher.